Psk.

Psk.

Psk.

I held a sharp blade in my hands, slowly carving my initials L.I.O on the pale wooden hockey stick resting on my lap. It was an old stick I got from my Grandpa Colton. An ex-hockey player back in the days. It was actually the first hockey stick I ever held in my life. Grandpa gave it to me when I took interest on playing hockey; I was 4, at the time. 9 years have past, and it's still in the good hands of mine. Surprisingly.

I'm not good with things, and so it's a wonder how I kept an old stick stay in it's good form without breaking or losing it.

Psk.

Psk. And...

Psk.

Alas it's done! I admire my work a bit more before putting the stick back in my shelf full of hockey sticks. I turn back around and jumped; laying on my bed. I snuggled closed to my pillow, resting my whole entire body.

Ahh it feels good!

Today's practice was... Interesting. Very tiring. Very intense. I just have to rest.

Staring at the blue ceiling, I bit my lip softly, my mind processing about what had happened earlier at the rink.

Flashback...

"Nice shot Osiree!" I smiled when my coach cheered for me as I made a goal. Though it wasn't really a game, it was just a practice, a scrimmage.

My teammate kayla patted me on the back. "I still can't get over your shot Lisa. Where the fudge did you learn that from?"

I smiled and said, "My grandpa taught it to me. He called it the iron hit."

"Can you teach it to me?" She looked at me with hopeful eyes. Aw...

"kay, I would love to, like literally. Just that grandpa said only family can learn it. Sorry." I gave her a sympathetic smile.

"S'okay... i'll just invent my own shot!" We laughed together.

We both hear a whistle from coach finnigan and quickly skated towards him... And an old guy in a suit. "Okay practice is over! You guys can go home and rest for tomorrows game."

Everyone started skating towards the exit, until I heard my name. I turn around. "Uh Lisa, can I talk to you for a bit."

I nodded and skate back to coach, eyeing the man beside him.

"Yeah?"

"Osiree I want you to meet . He has good news to tell ya."

"How ya doing ? Im Don Tibbles, hendrix hockey apparel."

My eyes widen at the word "Hendrix".

Damn what's goin on here?

"Um hi. What is it exactly that you want to tell me sir?"

He smirk. "Well Ms. Osiree, are you aware of the upcoming Junior Goodwill games this year?"

Junior Goodwill games? I think I heard of it before. Its like the Olympics for kids.

"Uh, yeah... What about it?"

"Well, I would just like to tell you that team USA hockey is recruiting outstanding players from around the country." Mr. Tibbles and Coach grin at me. "And you're one of them."

I stared at them in shock.

What?!

Did I heard him right? Team usa hockey. Recruiting. Players. Me?

Holy Fuck. WHAT.

"Uh - uh ..I, Im sorry?" I try to speak cleary but all I do is stutter.

Mr. Tibbles laughed. "We would like you to play for team USA hockey, , of course for the goodwill games. I can see you have potential. You're one of the top scorers there is on our record. And the shot you did back a minute ago? From the looks of it... I say with your skill, USA has a chance of winning."

WOAH.

This is really happening? A man who I just met probably gave me the biggest most exciting news in my life. They're asking me to join team USA, hell I'm playing for our country! I have a chance to show the world what I can do! Cheesy I know. But my dream is coming true. Like literally. Hockey has always been my main priority. Not school, not friends, not love life... But hockey.

"I just- wow! Thank you so much! This is unbelievable. This is serious right? I mean me? Dude this is fantastic!"

smiled nodding.

Coach Finnigan grinned at me. "Im proud of you sport. You work hard in every practice, every game, and now here's the achievement." He chuckled.

I smiled at him nodding.

"Now I already informed your parents about this. They said yes... Now its all up to you now.. But I guess from your reaction, its a go?" Mr. Tibbles ask.

I nod my head rapidly. "Hell yeah!- I mean sorry... Totally! Yes!"

Mr. Tibbles nodded smiling. "Alright! Well better be ready in three days. You'll be leaving for Minnesota, you'll meet your new team."

I smiled sadly. Aww. New team. Damn I'm gunna miss my old team and coach finni...

and coach walk away talking.

I turn around, and started skating. While doing so, everything is slowly coming to me. My heart suddenly starts pumping rapidly and I havemy tummy churning in a second.

I, Lisa Iris Osiree, is going to Junior Goodwill Games, to play hockey, for team USA...

End of Flashback...

I smiled to myself. It really was unexpected for me. To be ask to join a new team for the country was just...ridiculous. Not complaining though.

This is probably the best day of my existence.

I wonder who my new teammates will be? Who is the coach? When are the games? Damn I should've asked for more information. Stupid me.

I'll just have to wait three more days and I'll finally meet them.

.

.

.

3 days later

"Bye mommy. Love you so much!"

"Oh sweetie! Love you too! Take care alright? I'm so proud of you. And make sure to call me when you notice something going wrong alright. Don't talk to strangers. Don't get hurt and-"

I rolled my eyes and cut her off. "-Don't get into trouble. I know, I know!" I smiled.

She grinned and hugged me before I talked to granddad.

"Sup Grand!" I laughed. He was kinda the cool grandpa everybody likes. Still cool and active.

"How ya doin' sport! So you going to the Olympics huh? Do great alright? Bring home the bacon!"

I nodded. "I will."

"Okay..." he smiled game me a big bear hug.

We let go and I went to grab my luggage. I wish I had a dad to hug. But no he chose his other family than his real daughter. Pathetic isn't it? I wave my last goodbye to them, turning around quickly so they wouldn't see a tear rolling down my right cheek. Wiping it off, I hold on to my luggage tightly and headed to the plane.

Yeah I forgot to tell ya I was already at the airport. Ready for Minnesota. I'm

I was a nervous wreck. First of all, this is my first time flying alone. Second, I'll be meeting a new team and a coach whose been playing together their whole lives. And now here I am, being a newbie and all suddenly joining them. Scary for me. What if they treat me differently? What if they hate me and thinks no good? Ugh relax Lisa.. You won't be the only newbie...